A pill combining low doses of three blood pressure-lowering medications significantly increased the number of patients reaching blood pressure targets compared with usual care, researchers reported at the American College of Cardiology’s 67th Annual Scientific Session. There was also no significant increase in adverse effects with the “Triple Pill.”

For people with heart failure, getting a seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine in a given year was associated with a 50 percent drop in the risk of death during flu season and a 20 percent drop in the risk of death during the rest of the year, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 67th Annual Scientific Session.

A lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, which includes eggs and dairy but excludes meat and fish, and a Mediterranean diet are likely equally effective in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation.

Paid work, volunteering, caring for grandchildren and other activities are good for the health of the elderly. In fact, when older people are more active they perceive themselves as, and are objectively, healthier. The differences in health are significant: ‘active ageing’ is responsible for 30% of the observed differences. Furthermore, active ageing is associated with higher levels of education. The differences in health levels are significant: active ageing is responsible for 30% of these differences.These are the findings of a study led by Professor Bruno Arpino from Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona as part of the European research project ‘CREW’, which is co-funded by the JPI MYBL.

Single fathers have a higher risk of premature mortality than single mothers and partnered parents, according to an observational study that tracked more than 40000 people in Canada for 11 years, published in The Lancet Public Health journal. While the study could not identify specific causes of death, single fathers were more likely to lead unhealthier lifestyles, which may explain the increased risk. The authors say health professionals could help target this group.